Hamilton Travel Guide

 
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      Cathedral from City Hall 1963
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Things to Do  

The "Bird Cage": Not for Birds

The "Bird Cage": Not for Birds, Hamilton

 starship Says:  One of the more iconic images of Bermuda, along with businessmen dressed in "formal" Bermuda shorts and pink buses, is the "Birdcage". The Bird Cage actually resembles an open birdcage-like structure painted in blue & white colors, resting on a slightly raised platform; this... 

The Perot Post Office

The Perot Post Office, Hamilton

 starship Says:  One of the most charming, historic buildings we saw while visiting Hamilton was the Perot Post Office located on Queen Street, just near Par-la-Ville Park. This 2-story British Colonial building easily stands out on the street because it is painted a brilliant white, with 8... 

The Anglican Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity

The Anglican Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity, Hamilton

 starship Says:  Among the several churches located on appropriately named "Church Street," is the neo-Gothic "The Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity" is the only one we visited. Its solid stone structure with soaring tower, and multitude of stained glass windows leaves no question that it... 

The Cenotaph & Cabinet Building

The Cenotaph & Cabinet Building, Hamilton

 starship Says:  The CenotaphOn your walk exploring Front Street, notice the somber monument facing the street which is the "Cenotaph". Built in 1920 of (local?) limestone, the Cenotaph is a memorial for those who died for Bermuda in the first two world wars. Apparently, the Bermuda cenotaph... 

Par-la-Ville Park

Par-la-Ville Park, Hamilton

 starship Says:  Though Par-la-Ville Park is prominently featured on any good map of Bermuda, we did not make it a priority to see when we visited Hamilton. Rather it was just good luck that we had the opportunity to visit it when we stopped at the Perot Post Office as it is virtually next... 

Hamilton's City Hall ~ Part II

Hamilton's City Hall ~ Part II, Hamilton

 starship Says:  While you're visiting City Hall's art galleries --- the Bermuda Society of Arts Gallery and Bermuda National Gallery --- notice that the building itself has several points of interest --- notice the magnificent staircase, chandeliers and paintings. You will enter through... 

Hamilton's City Hall ~ Part I

Hamilton's City Hall  ~ Part I, Hamilton

 starship Says:  The beautiful, and striking bright white building with clean lines and tall clock tower is Hamilton's City Hall and is home to offices, operations for the (Corporation) City of Hamilton, the City Hall Theater, two art galleries and other public rooms, including a beautiful... 

Hotels  

Rosedon Hotel

 199 Opinions

Royal Palms Hotel

 262 Opinions

Restaurants  

Flanagan’s Irish Pub, Restaurant and Sports Bar: Bermuda's Only Irish Pub

Flanagan’s Irish Pub, Restaurant and Sports Bar: Bermuda's Only Irish Pub, Hamilton

 grandmaR Says:  Hours: Bar 11:00 – 01:00 (7 days)Lunch 11:30 – 17:00 (7 days)Dinner 17:00 – 22:00 (7 days Some possible dishes to try include:Bermuda Fish Chowder which Rachael Ray had on her $40/Day TV show (although not here)Guinness Pie (Chunks of beef simmered in Guinness with... 

The Smokin' Barrel: The Aroma Will Make You Drool !!

The Smokin' Barrel: The Aroma Will Make You Drool !!, Hamilton

 starship Says:  "The Smokin' Barrel" is difficult to classify --- should it be called local food, or a street-side BBQ? It's probably a little both. I can tell you if you were not hungry before your nose sensed the delicious aroma of the Smokin' Barrel, you will be afterwards!Serving up... 

The Hog Penny Pub, Est. 1957: The Hog Penny Pub: Everyone Likes It!

The Hog Penny Pub, Est. 1957: The Hog Penny Pub: Everyone Likes It!, Hamilton

 starship Says:  One of my favorite stops in Hamilton was the Hog Penny Pub. Established in 1957, it claims to be the "oldest licensed establishment in Hamilton," and "the original inspiration for the "Cheers Pub" in Boston."The minute we stepped into the Hog Penny, the pub immediately... 

The Spot: The Locals Eat Here!

The Spot: The Locals Eat Here!, Hamilton

 starship Says:  Being that the Bermudian people must be some of the most friendly people in the world, it is easy to strike up a conversation with almost anyone, anywhere. And so after a friendly and lengthy conversation with a postal clerk, we asked her opinion for a good place to have... 

The Frog and Onion: Great food with an English vibe

The Frog and Onion: Great food with an English vibe, Hamilton

 pboyce417 Says:  Great food and nice medevil atmosphere. In the same vicinity as the naval dockyard. There are signs pointing the way. Meal and service were both really good. Order the burgers!They also have great beer which comes in a glass you can keep. 

Transportation  

Ferries

Ferries, Hamilton

 starship Says:  Probably one of the fastest methods for traveling from one point to another in Bermuda is by using their excellent ferry system. We used the ferries operated by "Sea Express" on 2 of the 3 days during our visit and always found them fast, efficient and very comfortable. All... 

The Wheels on the Bus Go Round and Round

The Wheels on the Bus Go Round and Round, Hamilton

 starship Says:  Bus transportation is one of the three most used methods of traveling to Hamilton and all around the island. The color of Bermuda's buses is so unsual you cannot fail to notice them!! They are Pink or Blue!! Even though we did not use the bus to travel to Hamilton, it is... 

Local Customs  

Gombeys in Paradise
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4.5 out of 5 starsHelpfulness

starship 935 reviews
Postcard of Gombey Dancers

Whether you use the word "Gombey" to refer to the dancers or the dance itself, it generally refers to a Bermudian tradition that began when black slaves were first brought from Africa and the Caribbean. "Gombey" is said to be derived from an African or Bantu word meaning "rhythm."

With bright & colorful costumes and masks and long-held ways of dancing, it would be easy to mistake Gombey dancers in Bermuda for the "Mummers" in Philadelphia, or the "crews" of Mardi Gras in New Orleans. [In Philadelphia or New Orleans the groups would be called "crews" or "brigades," etc.] One way in which the Gombey dancers' tradition does differ from the American groups is that the Bermudian people throw cash & coins at the Gombeys versus in America where the parade crews actually throw trinkets at the people in the roadside watchers.

Dance routines are based on African, American Indian, Biblical, British "mummers" and West Indian lore and traditions. Each group is a "crowd." There is a method of collecting contributions from spectators though I have no idea how. The musical accompaniment is usually a kettle drum with two snare drums, covered with goat skin, and a beer bottle fife which produces the sound of a flute crossed with a whistle.

As the story goes: "The Wild Indian and Trapper have a perpetual chase. The Chiefs also carry large tomahawks and shields. Warriors or Choppers include children of families. Under the Captain, the dancers have duets and solos simulating combat. Once, they also re-enacted biblical stories like David's fight with Goliath. "

The dance itself was originally intended to be performed only on Britain's & Bermuda's Boxing Day (December 26) and New Year's Day - the two days of the year when slaves were given a rest from their labors. Today, they appear much more frequently at public events.

Traditional Gombey troupes include: Warner's Gombeys, Norford's, the Shakey Smith Troupe, Richardson's, and Wilson's Troupe. Philadelphia Mummer brigades as well as Mardi Gras crews in New Orleans also carry names which were established decades upon decades ago. I found it surprising to learn about these similarities between our two countries' traditions. Before moving to the northeast coast of the US, I had never heard of Mummers myself.

Updated Jan 17, 2013

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Warnings and Dangers  

DO'NT UNDERESTIMATE THE STRENGTH OF THE SUN
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DennyP 792 reviews
ALWAYS CARRY A STRONG SUNSCREEN & MOISTURISER

HAMILTON BERMUDA
When travelling in this wonderful part of the world make sure that you Don't underestimate the power of the heat in the sun.
Sunburn can creep up on you if you don't have a sunscreen on ..Also make sure that you have a wide brimmed hat and sunglasses. Whether you be snorkelling,diving , or just laying in the sun out boating and enjoying the beauty and clearness of the waters here , and taking in the amazing colours , the many shades of blue and greens is to be beleived .. but ,the reflection of the sun can be a problem if not taken into consideration. Anywhere in this lovely part of the world can get extremely hot so make sure that you apply a reliable strong sunscreen to all exposed areas use a sunscreen of at least 30+ to avoid the dangers of the sun. I carry also a lip balm and a moisturiser when in the sun and after.

Written Jan 15, 2012

Related to:
 Sailing and Boating
 Diving and Snorkeling
 Photography

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Off The Beaten Path  

The Pink Sand Beaches

The Pink Sand Beaches, Hamilton

 starship Says:  Our newly met friends spent one day with us as we visited St. George's, Tobacco Bay, the Bermuda Perfumery, and had lunch at the Swizzle Inn. To finish the day ashore, they suggested we take a bus to reach the area known for its beautiful beaches and walk the cliff... 

Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity (Bermuda)

Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity (Bermuda), Hamilton

 grandmaR Says:  The Bermuda Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity, is the seat (main church) of the Anglican Church of Bermuda. The Cathedral is known not only for its religious, historical, and social importance, but also for its beautiful Neo-Gothic architecture.... 

Favorites  

Hamilton Harbour ATONs

Hamilton Harbour ATONs, Hamilton

 grandmaR Says:  Since I am particularly interested in lighthouses, and also in boating, I made sure to be on deck when we were going into and out of the harbors. My husband would love to sail our own boat to Bermuda, and my cousin and also some friends have gone to Bermuda in their... 

Hamilton - Center of Bermuda

Hamilton - Center of Bermuda, Hamilton

 grandmaR Says:  While Bermuda is best known for its beaches, golf and swimming, Hamilton, the capitol isn't the place for any of those things. What I liked about Hamilton was the shopping.Hamilton, a centrally located town (city) and the capitol of the country, is right on the waterfront... 

Comments

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